A multi-agency arson investigation is underway after an individual allegedly set fire to a garbage can on a Suffern street early Monday morning, with the flames spreading to a nearby vehicle and causing significant damage.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:00 a.m. near the intersection of Woodland and Hillside. Suffern police and firefighters responded to the scene and extinguished the blaze.

While responders initially did not know how the fire had started, evidence subsequently uncovered by police indicated that an individual had walked down the street and set the garbage can on fire, Suffern Mayor Mike Curley said.

The Suffern Police Department opened an arson investigation and is working alongside the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation and other law enforcement partners.

Curley said authorities are devoting significant resources to the investigation and have obtained surveillance footage that appears to show the suspect at multiple locations.

Investigators also have an idea of where the individual may have come from and are actively working to identify and locate him, according to the mayor.

“We have videos of him in other locations, and we believe we will have him soon,” Curley said, adding that investigators believe the individual may have been intoxicated.

Authorities have not yet determined whether the fire was a random act or whether the location was intentionally targeted.

Curley also cautioned against speculation that the incident was motivated by antisemitism, saying there is currently no evidence supporting such a conclusion. “There’s no reason to say it was antisemitic at this point,” Curley said. “We’re investigating day and night. All resources are on it, and all departments and our partners are working on this case.”

The mayor said the investigation remains active, with Suffern Police and other agencies working to determine the circumstances surrounding the arson and apprehend the person responsible.